Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda

• Outdoors
• Any age
• Children free
• Just turn up

Two seawater pools - one a proper children's pool with play equipment in it - plus a natural tidal pool, at the quiet end of the Funchal promenade.

Of the three complexes on this stretch it is the one to pick with a toddler, because the small pool is equipped rather than merely shallow, and it is quieter than the Lido a few hundred metres east. Lifeguards are described as year-round here rather than seasonal. What it does not have is sand or shade: it is a concrete solarium over rock, so a parasol or an early start matters.

Worth knowing: The natural tidal pool alongside is only usable around low water and the sea entry is over rock, rough on any south swell - check the tide before promising an older child a snorkel.

Opening hours

Mon

08:30-20:00

Tue

08:30-20:00

Wed

08:30-20:00

Thu

08:30-20:00

Fri

08:30-20:00

Sat

08:30-20:00

Sun

08:30-20:00

Prices

The same Frente MarFunchal day pass as the Lido, valid at any of its complexes; sunbeds and parasols are charged separately. No walk-up tariff is published at source: the figures in circulation are adult 5 €, youth 1.80 €, children free.

Season

The long 08:30 to 20:00 day is the bathing season, 1 June to 30 September; outside it the hours shorten.

Getting there

Prices and opening times change without notice, and on this island they change often. Everything here carries the date it was checked in our research notes; if a place has moved or closed, tell us and we will fix it.